NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Libor Hajek

Get to Know Libor Hajek

Date of Birth: 2/4/1998
Place of Birth: Smrcek, CZE
Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 196 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Defense
Team (League): Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

Statistics

What Scouts See

Last Word on Sports:

Libor Hajek shown the ability to move the puck, transitioning quickly out of his own end and making a strong first pass. He is not a huge producer at the blue line on the power play, but he has shown some ability to make plays from there. Hajek has shown good vision and passing ability, but could stand to work on his stick handling. If he was a bit more confident, he could walk the line and open up passing and shooting lanes or work to make a better play with the puck.

The Draft Analyst:

Hajek converts speed into power in either direction, using athleticism and sound judgment to attack openings or create them himself. He has a decent first step for a big guy, yet only requires a few strides to reach top speed. If you see open ice ahead of you, better make it quick, as Hajek will chase you down and smother the puck with relative ease. His positioning and slot coverage are excellent, and rarely is he guilty of wandering or puck gazing.

What BSN Avalanche sees

Like a good whiskey, Hajek is very smooth. Everything he does is a result of a very high hockey IQ that is constantly on display. He’s a smart defender who never takes a shift off and consistently shuts down the opposition. On a rebuilding team constantly under siege, Hajek stood tall and was a difference maker. He’s disciplined, smart, and capable of turning defense into offense on a dime. He’s not an overwhelmingly talented player on offense but he shows consistent ability to do work. There’s nothing hidden about Hajek’s game. He shuts you down, takes the puck, and gets it moving the other direction.

There’s very little I have to say here. His upside doesn’t wow you and I don’t think he has the physical tools to be a premium NHL defensemen but he doesn’t have any major holes in his game, either. I guess if you had to really “knock” something in his game it’s that he’s never going to be a big point-producer. His game is about smart, quick, efficient decisions and not making big plays so he won’t be a highlight reel guy.

Highlights

NHL Potential

When watching Hajek, I honestly looked at last year’s Avalanche draft class and saw a lot of the same qualities that made Nicolas Meloche such a desirable prospect. Both guys should be in the NHL someday, even though they won’t be stars, and should provide the kind of steady, reliable play teams always need. Hajek is the perfect example of a modern day defensive defenseman.

Expected Draft Position

Hajek’s rankings are pretty consistent with viewing him as a second round prospect. He’s a guy that won’t wow you but is completely reliable in all phases of the game. He won’t slip beyond the first three rounds.

How Prospect Fits in Avalanche Organization

Hajek would slot in right next to Meloche as they’re very similar prospects in terms of pro outlook. Hajek would be another reliable prospect that should have a smooth trajectory to the NHL. He would give the Avalanche another quality defensive prospect as they continue to build a legitimate pipeline with emphasis on the back end.